Formaldehyde Damage to DNA and Inhibition of DNA Repair in Human Bronchial Cells

• DOI: 10.1126/science.6828890
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T18:37:18Z
• Authors: Roland C. Grafstrom; Albert J. Fornace; Herman Autrup; John F. Lechner; Curtis C. Harris
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; DNA Repair; Formaldehyde; Humans; Bronchi; DNA; Fibroblasts; Cells, Cultured; Epithelium; 3. Good health

Cultured bronchial epithelial and fibroblastic cells from humans were used to study DNA damage and toxicity caused by formaldehyde. Formaldehyde caused the formation of cross-links between DNA and proteins, caused single-strand breaks in DNA, and inhibited the resealing of single-strand breaks produced by ionizing radiation. Formaldehyde also inhibited the unscheduled DNA synthesis that occurs after exposure of cells to ultraviolet irradiation or to benzo[ a ]pyrene diolexpoxide but at doses substantially higher than those required to inhibit the resealing of x-ray-induced single-strand breaks. Therefore, formaldehyde could exert its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects by both damaging DNA and inhibiting DNA repair.